News Release

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Prolific Ghost Burglar NR17309pv

Woodland Hills: Los Angeles
detectives are asking the public's help in identifying a prolific
commercial burglar, they dubbed the Ghost. He has broken into more
than 40 closed businesses in the west San Fernando Valley since
mid-July, 2017.

"Until this week, we had no idea what the Ghost looked like, other
than he was hooded and gloved," explained Lt. Paul Weber,
commanding officer of the Topanga Detective Division. "We assumed
he was a man; now it appears he is Asian, in his twenties."
Detectives linked him to crimes by videos.

Over the last several weeks, police have attacked the crime spree
in several ways: educating business owners, posting
no-cash-on-premises signs on business doors, conducting stakeouts,
using undercover officers, placing decoy cars, and detaining
burglar parolees. Detectives have noted the burglar is careful to
hide at the sight of any passing car lights. He has lain hidden for
as long as 30 minutes before smashing in a window or a door. All
the businesses hit have been along Ventura Boulevard or Topanga
Canyon Boulevard, as far north as Sherman Way.

Franklin Hardware became one of the 43 businesses broken into on
October 4, 2017. Its co-owner, Michael Kurzeka, is the
third-generation proprietor for the store that's been a local
landmark since 1952. "Our store is an extension of our home," Mike
said. "When you see some hooded guy rummaging through your place,
it's frustrating and violating. That's why I want to help the
police to catch him!"

"The break-in cost Franklin Hardware nearly $1000 in repairs. Most
often, the burglar's take is far less than the damage he causes,"
Lt. Weber added. "We encourage businesses to leave registers open
with the till empty and lying on top, to show there's no money to
be had. The hope is burglars won't waste their time breaking
in."

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Amber
Kim, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-5844. Anonymous tips
can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by
texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All
text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Online tips may
be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the
prompts.

MEDIA ONLY:
Media outlets may record video of the suspect off a monitor at the
Topanga Police Station. Mr. Kurzeka's store number is (818)
347-6800. Store opens at 8AM.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Amber
Kim, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-5844. Anonymous tips
can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by
texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All
text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Online tips may
be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the
prompts.

MEDIA ONLY: Media outlets
may record video of the suspect off a monitor at the Topanga Police
Station. Mr. Kurzeka's store number is (818) 347-6800. Store opens
at 8AM.